Paripu: Sri Lankan Lentils

Known as dhal in Indian cooking, here is my recipe for Paripu, or Sri Lankan lentils.

2 cups red lentils (try not to use other colors, they just don’t taste the same. you can buy the red ones at Indian grocery stores)

Water to cover lentils

1 t. turmeric

salt to taste preference (My MIL ALWAYS adds more!)

Boil the above together until lentils are soft. If water boils off and lentils are still hard, add more water. When lentils are soft, put them in a separate bowl and saute the following ingredients in the same pot:

1/2 red onion, chopped

oil (I use olive oil)

garlic (about 3 cloves)

1/2 t. curry powder

1/2 t. chili powder

1 T. mustard seeds

When the onions are soft, add the cooked lentils back to the pot and stir. Add 1/2 cup of milk (or coconut milk – much yummier, but not quite as healthy) and let cook on the heat for 5-10 minutes.

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2 thoughts on “Paripu: Sri Lankan Lentils”

First time making this I think the lentils are still a bit firm Idk but the important part is I tried ! I made the chicken curry too and used potatoes I don’t I’ll post again later when I find out what my sri lankan husband thinks ! Thanks !